How To Effectively Use Preeem On Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, are wild or cultivated mushrooms that contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound. They are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects and can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten and can last approximately four to six hours. The effects can vary from person to person, with some experiencing mild trips that leave them feeling drowsy or relaxed, while others may have hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. While there is ongoing research into the therapeutic uses of psilocybin, there are currently no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin.

Magic mushrooms' history of use

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have a long history of use that dates back thousands of years. They are a type of hallucinogenic mushroom that contains the prodrug psilocybin, which converts to psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is a chemical found in certain mushroom varieties that grow on nearly every continent.

One of the earliest known uses of magic mushrooms was by indigenous people in Central America for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 B.C. There is also evidence of prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain, dating back to 6000 years ago, that suggests the use of Psilocybe hispanica, a hallucinogenic mushroom species, in religious rituals. Similarly, cave paintings from 9000 B.C. in North Africa and Europe, including Tassili, Algeria, may depict psychedelic mushrooms and their effects on users.

In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, native peoples used hallucinogenic mushrooms of the Psilocybe genus for religious communion, divination, and healing. This tradition continued even after the Spanish conquest, despite efforts by Catholic missionaries to suppress it. The Aztecs referred to these mushrooms as "teonanácatl" or "flesh of the gods," and they were reportedly served at the coronation of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II in 1502.

In the 20th century, magic mushrooms were introduced to the United States by an executive at J.P. Morgan Bank, who discovered them on vacation in Mexico. In 1957, R. Gordon Wasson, a banker and enthusiast of magic mushrooms, participated in a Mazatec ceremony in Oaxaca, Mexico, led by a shaman. He later collaborated with Swiss scientist Albert Hoffman, who first extracted psilocybin from the mushrooms.

In 1960, counterculture icon Timothy Leary read about magic mushrooms in Life magazine, and in 1970, they were officially made illegal in America. Despite this, their use continued, and in 1976, writer and ethnobotanist Terence McKenna published a book titled "Psilocybin: Magic Mushroom Grower's Guide," which contributed to their popularity.

In modern times, the use of magic mushrooms varies from recreational to spiritual and medicinal. Psilocybin has been studied for its potential to treat mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and addiction. However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms can also cause adverse effects, such as hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, and physical side effects like increased heart rate or nausea.

How psilocybin works

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms", is a hallucinogenic chemical that occurs naturally in certain varieties of mushrooms. It is ingested by consuming these mushrooms, and has a wide range of effects on the human body and mind.

When psilocybin is ingested, the body converts it into another chemical called psilocin. Psilocin binds to and activates serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT2a) receptor. This action is believed to be responsible for the subjective experience of the user.

Psilocin activity at the 5HT2a receptor affects how the brain works and how different brain regions communicate with each other. These altered patterns of brain activity contribute to a person’s profound change in consciousness. Some regions increase in activity and connectedness while others decrease. Studies suggest that psilocybin can temporarily disrupt communication among regions of the brain known as the default mode network, which is most active when we self-reflect. Reducing a person’s focus on their self may lead to a greater feeling of openness and increased connectedness to the world.

The effects of psilocybin vary widely and are unpredictable. They include an altered perception of time and space, distorted sights and sounds, and intense changes in mood and feelings. While some trips may be enjoyable, others may lead to terrifying thoughts of losing control, paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. The length and intensity of each mushroom trip depend on the strength of the mushrooms, the dosage, and the user's mood, personality, and expectations.

Psilocybin has a low risk of addiction and there is ongoing research into its potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and substance use disorders.

The risks of misidentifying mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for thousands of years in traditional ceremonies and for recreational purposes. While they are currently being studied for their potential medicinal uses, they can also be dangerous, and the risks are heightened when mushrooms are misidentified.

Mushroom poisoning is often the result of mistaking toxic mushrooms for edible ones. The consequences of misidentifying a mushroom can be severe, and in some cases, they can even lead to death. The most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, which can include vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. However, some mushroom toxins can cause organ failure and even death. For example, amatoxins found in some mushrooms in the genus Amanita can cause severe liver damage, and orellanine, found in certain species of Cortinarius mushrooms, can lead to kidney failure.

The difficulty in identifying poisonous mushrooms lies in their close resemblance to edible species in terms of color and general morphology. Some mushrooms, like the Amanita genus, contain both poisonous and edible species. For example, the Amanita virosa, or Destroying Angel, is deadly, while the Amanita caesera, or Caesar's mushroom, is considered delicious. Mushrooms with red caps or stems, like the Amanita muscaria, are also either poisonous or strongly hallucinogenic and can be lethal in large doses.

To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the mushrooms you intend to collect, as well as with any similar-looking toxic species. Mushroom guides and online resources can be helpful in this regard. It is also important to consider factors beyond appearance, such as location, season, and growing conditions. If you are unable to positively identify a mushroom as safe, it is best to avoid consuming it.

Magic mushrooms' therapeutic potential

Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, have been used for thousands of years in religious and spiritual rituals. Indigenous communities around the world have used them for over 1000 years, with some rock paintings in Western Australia suggesting use in Indigenous ceremonies over 10,000 years ago. Central American indigenous people are known to have used them for healing and spiritual rituals as far back as 3000 BC.

Today, magic mushrooms are used recreationally, in the hopes of having a spiritual experience, or to improve mental health. The latter is known as microdosing, where people take very small amounts of psilocybin regularly.

Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that works by binding to and activating serotonin receptors in parts of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These parts of the brain affect mood, cognition, and perception. Psilocybin can cause a profound change in consciousness, with some people reporting a mystical experience, where they enter a dreamlike, euphoric state, perhaps having visions or reliving memories.

Research has shown that psilocybin has significant potential in the treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders. It has been studied for its potential to treat mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, pain, and neurodegenerative disorders.

In Australia, from July 2023, medicines containing psilocybin can be prescribed by authorised psychiatrists to people experiencing treatment-resistant depression. The National Institute of Health in the US has also awarded grants to explore the potential value of psilocybin in smoking cessation.

However, there are risks associated with psilocybin use. It may worsen the symptoms of certain conditions like personality disorders and schizophrenia. Additionally, people with physical health conditions like heart and liver disease have an increased chance of negative side effects. It is important to note that psychedelic therapy should always take place under professional supervision to reduce risk.

Magic mushrooms' effects on the brain

Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms containing psilocybin, have been used in traditional ceremonies and for recreational purposes. They are also being studied for their potential therapeutic effects and ability to treat mental health disorders.

Psilocybin is a psychedelic that causes distortions in space-time perception and ego dissolution. It has been found to massively disrupt functional connectivity in the cortex and subcortex, with some changes persisting for weeks. This disruption is thought to be caused by psilocybin's conversion to psilocin in the body, which then activates serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. The 5-HT2A receptor is responsible for much of the subjective experience when taking psilocybin, and its activation affects how the brain works and how different brain regions communicate.

The disruption of functional connectivity in the brain is thought to be responsible for the therapeutic effects of psilocybin. Specifically, psilocybin has been found to induce neuroplasticity in the cortex and hippocampus in animal models. In humans, psilocybin has been shown to produce rapid and persistent therapeutic effects in clinical trials, with potential applications in the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting can lead to dramatic and long-lasting changes in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms can also have adverse side effects, such as increased heart rate, nausea, anxiety, paranoia, and nervousness. In some cases, magic mushrooms can lead to a bad trip, which can be a terrifying experience involving intense paranoia, panic attacks, and fears of death. Additionally, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming toxic species, which can lead to poisoning and even death.

While the potential therapeutic effects of magic mushrooms are promising, more research is needed to fully understand their risks and benefits. It is crucial to approach the use of magic mushrooms with caution and under the supervision of trained mental health professionals.

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